Erosion issues at Avoca Lagoon have resulted in the installation of safety barriers in the vicinity of the Ficus Ave car park.
The community is being urged to avoid the area for safety reasons, according to Gosford Council.
“The erosion issues are related to last month’s natural disaster, which caused Avoca Lagoon to exceed its flood levels due to ocean water entering it,” a Gosford Council media alert said.
“Water levels in Avoca Lagoon continued to rise during the natural disaster until it began to flow out in response to the changing tide.
“However, this natural opening was to the south of where council usually and artificially opens the lagoon, and has caused the lagoon’s southern bank to start eroding.
“The lagoon has remained open naturally since the natural disaster and due to the location of the channel, high velocity of the water flow, elevated ocean water level and large swell, the erosion continues to develop.”
According to Gosford Council, it is not possible to artificially close the lagoon when it is flowing under these conditions.
The NSW south-east coastline is experiencing higher than usual water levels on top of current tide levels, which is contributing to the erosion at Avoca Lagoon.
“Until the swell dissipates and the lagoon closes naturally, there is very limited action Council can take to rectify the situation,” the alert said. Council will continue to monitor the issue.
Media alert, 15 May 2015
Gosford Council media